Via the Take Stock in Children program at The Education Foundation of Alachua County:
January is National Mentor Appreciation Month, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with our Mentor Appreciation Event on Thursday, January 9th, at The Abbey by Blackadder Brewing Company!
We had an incredible evening filled with gratitude and inspiration. Alumni speaker Marquise Brathwaite shared his powerful story of how the Take Stock in Children program in Jacksonville, Florida, shaped his life. Today, Marquise is giving back as a mentor and duty officer at Eastside High School!
We also honored our 2025 Mentor of the Year, Mary Benedict, whose dedication to her mentee and The Education Foundation has made a lasting impact. Mary’s mentee and their family joined the festivities, with her mentee sharing heartfelt words about Mary’s guidance and support.

Thank you to all of our mentors who change lives every day. You are the heart of Take Stock in Children, and we are so grateful for you!